Key points
- 67% of UK homeowners search Google first for trades (Statista, 2023).
- Word-of-mouth is slower than digital, customers want instant reassurance (FMB, 2022).
- Fresh reviews are the #1 trust factor online (BrightLocal, 2023).
- DIY “boosts” rarely work, targeted visibility does (Moz, 2022).
Log into Google Business Profile and add at least 3 new photos from recent jobs, proof you’re active today, not last year.
What it means when the phone goes quiet
Silence doesn’t mean there’s no work out there. It means people in your town are finding someone else first.
Often the gap comes down to visibility and trust signals: if your profile looks old, your reviews are thin, or your name’s not popping up locally, the jobs drift past you.
| Term | Plain Meaning | Why It Matters |
|---|---|---|
| Visibility | Being easy to find online | If you’re not seen, you’re not called |
| Freshness | Updated reviews/photos | Proof you’re active, not gone quiet |
| Trust | Signs you do good work | Customers call the safe choice first |
How to get calls coming in again
- Refresh your Google Business Profile
Action: Upload 3–5 photos of recent jobs, update services, and check hours.
Check: Appear in the “map pack” for “[trade] near me.”
Evidence: Businesses with updated profiles get 70% more calls (Google, 2023). - Ask for new Google reviews
Action: Text recent customers with a direct review link.
Check: Aim for 10+ fresh reviews in the last 6 months.
Evidence: 87% of people trust Google reviews as much as personal recommendations (BrightLocal, 2023). - Post proof-of-work on Facebook/Instagram
Action: Snap a quick “before and after” on-site and upload.
Check: At least 1–2 posts a week.
Evidence: Local posts build recall (“I’ve seen you everywhere”). - Check your contact details
Action: Make sure your number is the same on all sites (Google, Yell, Facebook, website).
Check: Name/Address/Phone matches exactly.
Evidence: NAP consistency is a key ranking factor (Moz, 2022). - Plug gaps with micro-ads
Action: Run £5–10/day local ads when the diary’s empty.
Check: Track calls per £ spent.
Evidence: Even small budgets often land jobs in days.
Gotcha: Don’t rely on “boosting” a post, it’s scattergun. Proper targeting = only locals looking for your trade.
How to get calls coming in again
| Option | When It Wins | Risks | If This Then That |
|---|---|---|---|
| Wait it out | Works if seasonal lull is short | Jobs lost don’t come back | Use only if fully booked next month |
| Word-of-mouth | Builds long-term trust | Slow, unpredictable | Pair with digital to avoid gaps |
| Paid Ads | Fast fill during quiet weeks | Wasted spend if not targeted | Start small, scale only when ROI shows |
FAQ
Is it just the economy slowing down?
Not always, often others in your town are still busy because they’re visible.
How fast can I get calls again?
Some see enquiries within a week after refreshing profiles + reviews.
Do I need a full website?
Not always, a solid Google profile + Facebook page can restart calls.
Can reviews really make that much difference?
Yes, they’re the top decision factor for homeowners online.
What if I hate doing “marketing”?
Most of this is “set and forget”, once set up, it runs in the background while you’re on-site.
Evidence and sources
- Statista, 67% of UK homeowners search Google first, 2023
- Federation of Master Builders, Word-of-mouth slower vs digital, 2022
- BrightLocal, Review trust survey, 2023
- Google, Business Profile call impact, 2023
- Moz, Local SEO ranking factors, 2022
Why trust this
Author: Dominic Cross
Dentons Digital, specialises in marketing for UK trades and construction firms. First-hand: delivered hundreds of enquiries for sole traders and small contractors.
